BEAUCHAMP CITY IS AN ‘OUTSTANDING’ SIXTH FORM

Having opened in September 2020, this was the sixth form’s first full inspection and Inspectors were hugely impressed with our unwavering commitment to driving academic success. 

They commented: “Leaders and teachers successfully provide the highest quality of education for their students and rightly focus closely on academic success and progression to higher education. 

“The curriculum is taught logically and helps students to retain new knowledge very well,” they added, “teachers are very well-qualified, inspiring and expertly help students to make links in learning. 

“The quality of education is outstanding, and students consistently make strong and swift progress.” 

Beauchamp City was opened to address the low proportion of local Leicester students who progress on to top Russell Group universities. The results acquired by students over the last three years, emphatically demonstrate that that objective has been met.  

Inspectors commented on this, proclaiming that “all students achieve very highly, and around half secure top grades [and] successfully progress onto high quality destinations such as Russell Group universities or prestigious degree apprenticeships with leading companies.” 

In 2023, 16% of the Year 13 cohort secured straight A* or A grades, with 27.9% of students also achieving at least one A* or A grade. These individuals went on to undertake higher-level apprenticeships and accept places at acclaimed universities including University of Nottingham, Imperial College London, University of Warwick and University of Exeter. 

The breadth of the curriculum was also celebrated, as was the multitude of additional enrichment courses, which are all designed to support students with a variety of potential onwards pathways.  

To develop students into fully-rounded and culturally aware citizens, Beauchamp City have also implemented a strong holistic curriculum that prepares them for higher education and the wider working world. 

Inspectors noted: “Leaders and staff ensure students are very well prepared for their futures…they provide a wealth of support and experiences, so students develop the academic, social and life skills they need to be successful.” 

Examples of these initiatives include the development of oracy skills through student-led assemblies, and participation in national competitions such as the British Mathematical Olympiads, the Senior Physics Challenge, and Oxford University’s Anthea Bell prize for young translators. The school also host a wide range of after school activities – including netball, boxing, public speaking, debate club, and forensic science murder mystery club – and have participated in local fundraising activities and community projects.  

“Students rightly value these opportunities that develop their confidence and give them an appreciation of different hobbies,” Ofsted commented. 

In what was a glowing report, the inspectors also celebrated the teachers’ effective use of assessment to promote academic retention, the exceptional support for SEND students, the well-designed careers programme and how the school expertly utilises the knowledge of its governing body to support senior leaders. 

Principal, James McKenna, said: “We are delighted that the excellent work that goes on in our school has been recognised through the Ofsted inspection process. Our team of staff have worked relentlessly to promote academic endeavour and to support our students in securing academic excellence.  

 "Our commitment to holistic development and preparing young people for the future is already making a real difference in enabling Beauchamp City students to make informed decisions, and progress to a range of destinations based on effective advice and guidance.  

 "We look forward to continuing to work with our school community to ensure that young people in Leicester and Leicestershire are able to access the most prestigious universities and apprenticeships and play an active role in the wider society.”  

Read the full report here: